Delicious Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta for Cajun Lovers
Delicious Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta for Cajun Lovers is a celebration of bold, unforgettable flavors that transport you straight to Louisiana. This creamy, spicy seafood pasta features shrimp and crawfish in a rich sauce that impresses without hours of preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 pound Fettuccine or Linguine
1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
1/2 pound Crawfish Tails, cooked, peeled
8 ounces Andouille Sausage, sliced (optional)
1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
1 large Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
2 Celery Stalks, finely diced
4-6 cloves Garlic, minced
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided
2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
1 cup Chicken Broth, low sodium preferred
2 cups Heavy Cream, full fat for richness
1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
2-3 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning, adjust to taste
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, or more for extra heat
Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
2 tablespoons Green Onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside
- Cook the Proteins: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add Andouille sausage (if using) and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. Add the shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside
- Build the 'Holy Trinity': Reduce heat, add remaining butter, onion, bell pepper, and celery to skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne, stirring for 30 seconds
- Create the Roux and Sauce Base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened
- Introduce the Cream and Tomatoes: Lower heat, add heavy cream and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper
- Combine and Finish: Return shrimp, crawfish, and sausage to the sauce. Add pasta, toss to combine, and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and green onions. Serve immediately
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for best results.
Adjust spice levels according to preference.